It’s Taste-time this weekend in Orland Park

This dramatic image of the Taste of Orland Park was captured by the village staff last year. This weekend’s three day fest will again light up the night sky.

By Anthony Caciopo

Regional News Editor

The Village of Orland Park’s annual Taste of Orland Park returns to the Orland Park Village Center Aug. 3 to 5. This year’s fest is presented by Palos Health and Loyola Medicine.

Now in its 15th year, the Taste of Orland Park showcases 22 Orland Park eateries, 18 community organizations and 10 sponsors. The weekend includes Lip Sync Showdown, Kids’ Day, a car show, the Orland Park’s Got Talent finals and live entertainment on two stages.

“The Taste of Orland Park can be described in three words — food, family and fun,” said Trustee Dan Calandriello, chair of the village’s Recreation and Parks Committee. “It’s a great way to sample dishes from the best restaurants in Orland Park and it’s a fun-filled weekend for everyone.”

The Taste will be held at the Orland Park Village Center, 14700 South Ravinia Avenue, beginning tomorrow, Aug. 3 from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 4 from 1 to 11 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 5 from 1 to 9 p.m. Admission and parking are free with participating restaurants selling tastes of signature dishes at individual food booths.

“We have a number of restaurants who have been with us since the village’s first Taste 15 years ago and we’re excited to have new restaurants come on board to introduce themselves to the community,” Calandriello said.

Live entertainment on two stages fill the weekend schedule with the Lip Sync Showdown happening on the community stage Friday night from 7 until 9 p.m. Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press will perform on the main stage Friday night from 8:30 until 11 p.m.

Kids’ Day, Saturday, will be held at the adjacent John Humphrey Sports Complex from 1 to 5 p.m. Free games, activities and programs will be offered for all ages. The annual car show returns to Humphrey on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Saturday night’s entertainment includes Live Band Karaoke on the community stage from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. with 7th Heaven on the main stage from 8:30 until 11 p.m.

The Taste will close on Sunday night with its annual Beatles tribute, featuring American English performing on the main stage from 7 until 9 p.m.

On Saturday, the Orland Park Kiwanis Club hosts Bingo inside the Civic Center, and the Orland Park Lions will do the same on Sunday, with both events starting at 1 p.m.

Sunday’s happenings will include a Veterans’ Welcome Home event at 12:30 p.m. to thank those who served for their service and sacrifice. The event will begin with a motorcycle club honor ride at the main stage and presentation of colors. Creedence Revived, a Creedence Clearwater revival band, will perform on the main stage from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Free parking is available at a number of sites around the Village Center including the parking tower at 143rd Street and Ravinia Avenue. Attendees are reminded that 147th Street is closed to vehicle traffic from the entrance to Walgreen’s to Ravinia Avenue.